Fireworks, family fun, beaches — what’s not to love about Canada Day? 0

Fireworks, family fun, beaches — what’s not to love about Canada Day? Yes, it skipped a traditional long weekend on the calendar this year, but there’s plenty to see and do around London to mark the nation’s 147th. Megan Stacey reports.

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There’s plenty to see and do around London to mark the nation’s 147th.

THE BIG BASH

In London, the red-and-white family fun is at Harris Park. The bonus? It’s free. Organized by the non-profit London Celebrates Canada, the party starts at noon with a First Nations ceremony, includes an entertainer and dance group for the kids about 3 p.m. and — it’s a birthday — a piece of delicious Canada Flag cake for all during afternoon performances.

The live evening music begins at 6 p.m., with something for everyone — from a local instrumental band, to headliner Sarah Smith, the best singer/songwriter winner at the recent Jack Richardson Music Awards to honour local talent.

THE BIG NUMBER

147. OK, OK, it’s not as big a deal as Canada’s centennial year in 1967, or the next big one, the sesquicentennial in 2017, but we’ve come far from the group of former British colonies that stitched their act together on July 1, 1867 to get the modern nation going. Most Canadians laboured hard on farms back then. Few saw even the half of their modern-day country that existed then. Just living into your 60s was an accomplishment.

OTHERS MARKING BIRTHDAYS

At 147, we’re the same age as:

— Alaska, at least in U.S. hands. The Americans bought it in 1867.

— The fist steam-powered motorcycle, invented by Ernest Michaux

— The first roll of toilet paper, sold by the Scott brothers on their way to forming an industry giant of the same name.

— Mark Twain’s first published book, The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County and Other Sketches.

— Dynamite: Alfred Nobel patented the explosive in 1867, making a fortune.

— Johann Strauss II’s classic Blue Danube waltz.

— The Royal Albert Hall, in that other London.

THE FIREWORKS

In London, the brightest action is at Harris Park and the Forks of the Thames, with other public displays in and around the city including at the main beach in Grand Bend. Go-time for the pyrotechnics is 10 p.m.

BYOF

If you’re shooting your own fireworks, remember the city’s rules: Light the stuff on your property — not the public sidewalk — and make sure those who set them off are 18 or older, or supervised by adults. Stick to hours between dusk and 11 p.m.

GOING OLD-SCHOOL

The original Canada Day was Dominion Day. At London’s Fanshawe Pioneer Village, you can celebrate it in proper 19th-century style. The fun kicks off at the re-created farming village with patriotic speeches, cake and lemonade Tuesday at 1 p.m. There will be wagon rides, historic military demonstrations and live music by the The Schotts band. You can also catch an old-fashioned baseball game, featuring vintage London Tecumsehs vs modern London Tecumsehs. Emphasis on vintage — old-school uniforms and a very early version of the game’s rules, played without gloves in 1867.

Eldon House: The city’s oldest house, on Ridout St. N., has croquet on the lawn, a puppeteer and Canadian crafts. Free.

Labatt Park: The London Majors face the Toronto Maple Leafs at 6:05 p.m.

ONE NEW CANADIAN’S VIEW

Born in Afghanistan, Ghulam Mohamed became a Canadian citizen early in 2012.

Canada Day is an important part of honouring his new country, the Londoner says.

“Everybody likes it. It’s a day for celebration, with fireworks in the park or some special place. We are very happy and light, because that is the people of Canada.”

Mohamed first learned about Canada in Gr. 4 or 5, a nation he says he always wanted to see for himself.

“My country at that time had too many problems,” he said. “When I see hear and I see the country (of Canada) and its people, and I go outside the city and I see farms, I can say everything I read in that book, it’s true.”

Mohamed is working Tuesday, but still plans to celebrate with friends.

“We are going to gather for the fireworks. It’s about the children, everyone is happy, and we’ll take some photography of the fireworks,” he said. “It’s an important day because Canada becomes one more year old.”

AND THANKS . . .

As a Canada Day thank-you, the Mandarin chain of restaurants in southern Ontario — there is one in London — is offering a free buffet meal July 1 with proof of citizenship — first-come, first-served — starting at noon.